Ten local organizations now have access to a lifesaving tool that can help respond to sudden cardiac arrest, thanks to the Community AED Program.
HSHS Prairie Cardiovascular and the HSHS St. John’s Foundation presented automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to representatives from 10 area organizations from across the region during a Sept. 22 event at the Prairie Heart Institute. The recipients include:
- Bible Chapel Community Church – Springfield
- The Mary Bryant Home Association – Springfield
- Springfield First SDA Church – Springfield
- Springfield Shamrocks Baseball & Softball Organization – Springfield
- Southern View Police Department – Southern View
- Celebration Community Church – Pana
- St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – Hillsboro
- Unity Christian School – Decatur
- Warrensburg Boys Travel Baseball – Warrensburg
- Zion Lutheran Church and School – Litchfield
The Community AED Program was established through a partnership between the McGraw family, HSHS Prairie Cardiovascular and the St. John’s Foundation in memory of Rick McGraw. The program is designed to increase access to AEDs in community settings throughout the region.
“Through the generosity of the McGraw family and the support of our donors, we are able to put lifesaving resources directly into the hands of organizations that serve our communities every day,” said Ali Farmer, director of HSHS St. John’s Foundation. “We are grateful to the organizations receiving these devices and proud to help make our communities safer and better prepared to respond when someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest.”
The AEDs provided through the program are equipped with technology designed to guide bystanders who jump into action through CPR steps and AED use during a sudden cardiac arrest. Each recipient also receives additional resources and training from MedicsFirst.
Charlotte Curry is the director of community outreach for Mary Bryant Home Association, one of the AED recipients. She shared her enthusiasm for the program by saying, “We are incredibly grateful to HSHS St. John’s Foundation and everyone involved in making this program possible. The AED will be an important addition to our emergency preparedness efforts and will help enhance the safety of our residents, visitors, volunteers and staff.”
Mitch Rogers, director of operations for HSHS Prairie Cardiovascular, was one of the first individuals to suggest a program like this more than 10 years ago, after he heard concerns from the community about a lack of AEDs. In 2023, the Community AED Program was formalized through the McGraw family donations.
“Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, at any time, and having an AED nearby can provide a critical bridge until emergency medical help arrives,” said Rogers. “By placing these devices in schools, churches, athletic organizations and other community settings, we are helping more people be prepared to respond when every second counts.”
The program was created in memory of Rick McGraw through the generosity and partnership of his family, including Mike and Juliana McGraw, Jenna and Rich Beyers, Christa McGraw and Dona McGraw.
To apply for the Community AED Program, visit www.hshs.org/heart/giving/phi-aed-program-application.
